Publication:

A cross sectional study on the prevalence and factors associated with geriatric depression in an urban slum of Davangere city

Background Various community-based studies have revealed that the prevalence of depression in geriatric population in India varies between 13% and 25%. In spite of the magnitude of this problem there are very few studies from India investigating geriatric depression and its associated risk factors. This study aims to establish the prevalence, socio- demographic correlates and factors associated with geriatric depression in an urban slum of Davangere city. Objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and its association with socio- demographic factors among the geriatric population in an urban slum of Davangere city.

Methods A community based cross sectional study was conducted from June to November 2016, among the geriatric people residing in an urban slum (Mustafanagar) of Davangere city. A house to house survey was done and all the geriatric people willing to participate in the study were selected and assessed for depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results In this study the prevalence of depression was found to be 39% among the elderly, of which 33% had mild depression and 6% had severe depression.

Conclusions In this study it was found that the prevalence of depression was higher among those who were widowed and those who were living alone. It was also more among the people belonging to Class V Socio-economic status (Modified B.G Prasad Classification) and people suffering from a chronic illness.